The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to get wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. back for Sunday’s division game against the unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals, and his return comes one week after the offense scored just three points without him.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that Pittman, who was listed as questionable with a foot injury, is expected to play. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport wrote that the receiver is “back after one week of dealing with plantar fasciitis.”
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Michael Pittman Jr. foot injury timeline
The foot injury first kept Pittman out in Week 2. The Steelers listed him as questionable for the trip to New England, but he missed practice on the final two days of that week, and the team ruled him out before kickoff.
Rapoport said Wednesday that the issue is in the arch of his feet.
“My understanding is he’s dealing with a flare-up of his plantar fascia in his feet,” Rapoport said.
This foot problem is separate from the injury that slowed the former Colts receiver during training camp and the preseason. He practiced on a limited basis all week before Week 3, so the Steelers listed him as questionable on the final injury report again.
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How much did Pittsburgh miss Pittman?
The Steelers are 1-1, and their offense has struggled to score. Their only touchdown drive in two games covered 31 yards in the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Pittsburgh also ranks last in the NFL in offensive expected points added per play.
Pittman caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in his Steelers debut, a 20-13 win over Atlanta. Without him in Week 2, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the offense managed three points in a 20-3 loss at New England.
Pittsburgh traded with the Indianapolis Colts for the USC product in March, and the two teams swapped late-round draft picks. The Steelers then signed him to a three-year, $59 million extension, and he now lines up across from wide receiver DK Metcalf.
He had 784 receiving yards and a career-high seven touchdowns with the Colts last season. He also has two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume.
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Bengals at Steelers Week 3 kickoff
The Bengals and Steelers kick off at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Cincinnati is 2-0 after a 20-6 win over the Houston Texans in Week 2, and its defense ranks fifth in the NFL in expected points added per play.
Pittsburgh’s backfield is also banged up. The Steelers expect running back Jaylen Warren to play through a shoulder injury, but they have ruled out running back Rico Dowdle.
Pittman’s status becomes official when the Steelers release their inactive list about 90 minutes before kickoff.
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